Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Unconventional Dating Advice Sparks Discussion
Recently, billionaire Bill Ackman gained attention online for his rather unusual take on pick-up lines.
Over the weekend, Ackman recognized that for many young people, meeting potential partners face-to-face is challenging, especially with the prevalence of dating apps. He suggested that they may want to try out lines that resonate with them. “I usually start with, ‘Can I meet you?’ It’s rare for me to hear a no, and that often leads to deeper conversations. I’ve met some fascinating individuals this way. I believe proper grammar and politeness played a big role in my success. So, why not give it a shot?” Ackman shared.
I hear from many young men that it is difficult for them to meet young women in public. In other words, online culture has destroyed the ability to meet strangers spontaneously. So I thought I’d share some of the words I used when I was younger to meet people like:
— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) November 15, 2025
Ackman later mentioned that he received a mix of success stories when using his approach, although not everyone found it effective.
Feedback from the field https://t.co/3PHHvvaQKG pic.twitter.com/x9NRe0xz5J
— High Yield Harry (@HighyieldHarry) November 17, 2025
Tried this at a coffee shop.
I asked the cute girl sitting next to me, “Can I meet you?”
She said no.
End. pic.twitter.com/TzDTNxmkSj
— Heisenberg (@Mr_Derivatives) November 15, 2025
I just tested it @Bill Ackman‘Can I meet you?’ dating method https://t.co/scDdaMLuMi pic.twitter.com/3nv5U5ghHN
— Nick O’Neill (@chooserich) November 16, 2025
Ironically, “see you” has become a killer pick-up line for this very demographic.
– Laughter happens.
– Inside jokes create a shared connection
– Show interest with low pressure https://t.co/Y15OEhT0Z7— Lulu Cheng Meservey (@lulumeservey) November 17, 2025
Some women expressed admiration for Ackman’s line, suggesting it might resonate with people in tech or finance, particularly in cities like New York, where it could even become an inside joke.
A guy at a bar in the West Village tonight is going to say, “Can I meet you?” And it will work for some girls too. They are going to get married. They plan to live in Greenwich, Connecticut and have five children and a golden retriever. End. https://t.co/GNBZqcRioQ
— Aubrey Strobel (@aubreystrobel) November 17, 2025
Ultimately, successful pick-up lines often depend on the delivery. If someone is particularly tall, good-looking, or wealthy, they might get away with simpler lines. However, for the average person, it seems crucial to be clever and light-hearted to ease the other person’s nerves.
Context also plays a significant role. Ackman’s “Can I meet you?” might work better in cultures where this type of social interaction is recognized. But, say, in a small-town bar, such a line could fall flat. It’s interesting, but I feel like there are much better ways to approach someone.
The best strategy? Embrace failure. If someone isn’t interested, just move on without lingering or saying something awkward. After all, a evening filled with amusing failures can result in way better stories than a dull night spent quietly in the corner. Having a friend along can make the entire process more enjoyable, too.
